Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar omitted from India’s starting seven against Japan at Asian Games 2026

Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar were left out of India’s starting seven for the third match of the Asian Games 2026 kabaddi tournament on the opening day in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The omission saw vice-captain Pawan and the experienced all-rounder Aslam start the match on the bench.

The kabaddi competition at the Asian Games 2026 began with Bangladesh defeating the Republic of Korea in the tournament’s first match, and the report noted that the 2018 Asian Games silver medallists did not get the start they hoped for. Thailand followed by beating Nepal by a good margin in the second match. India played the third match of the day, described as the most-watched game, with supporters expecting a one-sided victory. Sunil Kumar is named as India’s captain at the Asian Games 2026.

Both Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar are cited as having played a major role in India’s gold-medal-winning campaign at Hangzhou 2022. Their inclusion on the squad contrasts with their absence from the starting seven for the Japan match.

One explanation offered in the report is a dip in form: it states that since the 2022 Asian Games both players’ form has regressed in the Pro Kabaddi League and other domestic tournaments. The piece adds that several younger raiders have emerged, specifically naming Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab as alternatives pushing for starting roles.

The article also suggests the pair may have been rested at the start of the tournament to allow opportunities for younger players to gain match time. It notes that, even off the bench, Pawan and Aslam are considered capable of making significant contributions as substitutes or later in the competition.

Further rationale offered is injury management: the report says team management are trying to protect Pawan and Aslam from potential injuries early in the event so they remain available for crucial matches. The write-up adds that, despite recent form issues, the two players can still "wreak havoc on the opposition’s defence" and bring game intelligence to the team.

Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar remained in India’s squad but did not start against Japan; the report concludes they could be used as substitutes or introduced later in the tournament as the team’s campaign progresses.